ECOMASTERS, Chapter 11

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Chapter eleven I'm nervous as we walk downstairs.

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Mr.

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Dobbins is no pushover, but I just keep telling myself we can do this. I keep one hand in my pocket as I go, compass pressed into my fist, reminding me that I am not disobeying. I'm following my destiny as pathfinder of the Eco Masters. As soon as we step into the lobby, I see him. I wonder if the sidewalk under his feet is worn down yet, because he always stands in exactly the same place. And then, almost like his eyes see in every direction, he turns to face me when I walk out the door of the apartment building. I whip out my biggest smile and try not to be intimidated by his wide shoulders and shiny button coat that looks more like an army general than a doorman. Good morning, Miss, he says with a nod. Time for the big guy's walk? Yes, sir, I stop, but Peev keeps walking, clearly not recognizing Mr Dobbins as the boss of anything. He goes far enough to yank my arm and I start walking again. Back in twenty, I say with a grin. Mr Dobbins looks at his watch and tips his hat. I'll be here. I gulp and nod, not sure how he can make three words sound like such a threat, and then remembering that the clock is ticking in lots of ways, I lead Peev down the street a few blocks, turn the corner, let him do his giant business, and collect it in my handy dandy poop bag, and then guide him back to the apartment. You're early, mister Dobbins says, eyebrows high. I smile and shrug. Peave was quick today. He nods and opens the door. Have a good day, Miss Coral. Thank you, Mr. Dobbins. I walk inside and head for the elevators, trying to peek back at him without looking, like I'm peeking. I make a big show out of untangling Peev's leash, which kind of confuses him, but gives me a better view of the door. And there they are, Mr Dobbins' laser eyes. I smile and wave and then step onto the elevator. Phew, I say to Peev as I push the button for the second floor. He looks up at me, like he actually knows I should have pushed the eighteenth floor. Then chuffs, like he just remembered the plan. When the door's open, I hurry him out of the elevator and into the stairwell across the hall. We go back downstairs, and then instead of the door leading to the lobby, I choose the service door and hope it does what I hope it does, which is lead to the back of the building. I mean everything can't come in through the same front door, right? The hallway is dark but promising, since it looks like it runs the whole length of the building. Peave and I walk and he stays by my side instead of dashing ahead this time. Finally, after it starts to look like there's no way out of this long hallway, I see a door marked garbage. Er thank goodness, I say, probably louder than I should have. The maintenance people could be anywhere. I open the door, hoping we don't tumble down into some giant garbage shoe. Oh my cheesy wheezy. It stinks in here. The smell is like a cross between rotten eggs, urine, and something so awful I can't even think about it. But then I see beyond the trash to the alley. The alley. Yay! Woohoo, we did it, Peev, I tell him. He tilts his head my way, his classic I heard you, but I have to do things now gesture, and I bend down and give his flank a good pat. Thanks for playing it cool, buddy. You did great. He snorts a little and picks up the pace. Good call. We have to make this fast. I match his speed and lead us to Central Park, feeling like the ticking clock is now my heartbeat. When we get to the lake, Peev doesn't even look for a stick, but instead stands by the shore like he's waiting for a bus. You know the drill, don't you boy? I pat his head and pull out the compass. I wish to meet my third new friend, I say. This time probably because I know what's coming, I feel the change in the air first. It's like that thick, heavy feeling that comes right before a thunderstorm, and then a shift in pressure, like the air molecules are swelling and jostling right in front of me. I pull up the slack in Peev's leash and tighten my grip on his collar. Though he doesn't look at me, I feel the weight of his back end against my leg. Together we watch the water come, and as the bridge gathers itself and bends our way, I see Peave press his body forward like he's ready to go. I grin, thinking back to the first time that I took him onto the elevator when he was a puppy. By the third time he knew nothing bad was going to happen when the doors closed, and he knew he only had to put up with a few seconds of weird movement. Mostly he knew that when the doors opened he got to go outside, and that made it all worth it. The memory slips away as we're pulled into the water bridge. It's starting to get a little old being wet all the time, but I guess considering where I get to go, it's not such a big deal. I do close my eyes again since that's what ends up being more comfortable, and there's no way to see what's happening anyway. It only seems like they're closed for a second or two when I feel a big splash and the thud of my landing forces the eyes open again. Holy cannoli, where the heck are we this time? All around us, giant trees stretch halfway to the sky, and I think I see mountains in the distance. I look up at them and then down at the stream all around me. My stomach gets a little queasy. It does not seem like a good thing to land in the middle of a forest. Just then a family of monkeys come near, and Peev barks loudly three or four times, and the monkeys were long gone. It's okay, boy, I tell him. Those monkeys were kind of cute, but I know who knows what kind of mischief they would have done if you hadn't scared them away. We've figured it out before, and we will figure it out again today. He huffs, pretty much like he's skeptical, and I get it. I'm not feeling so great about this situation either. Come on, let's get out of the water. I tug him to the side of the stream, and we slog up onto the bank. Though I really want to sit down and think about what to do next, I know that will only turn my soaking wet clothes into muddy wet clothes. I scan the woods around me for a big rock or maybe a tree stump, then gasp when instead I find a pair of eyes peering at me through the brush. I glance at Peev, but he seems completely calm. So much for my protector. Hoping smiles are universal, I try that first. I waggle my fingers in a little wave too just in case that adds some friendliness. The eyes get wider, but they stay put. I guess I don't look at all that friendly. I remember that I've been able to speak the language in every place so far, so I decide to try that next. I take a deep breath and smile one more time. Hello, I say It's okay. I don't mean you any harm. Branches rustle in response, but there's no answer. I look at Peev again, and I'm stunned to see him down on his haunches like he's relaxing in front of a fireplace or something. I could use a little help here, buddy, I think with a sigh. He will not eat me? A small voice calls. A face takes shape, round and dark eyed. I catch a glimpse of a bright, shiny pink fabric between the leaves. Oh no, he definitely will not eat you. He's my friend. The girl moves forward, dressed in something like a dress, I think it's called a sari, with that beautiful pink material draped over her shoulder like a shawl, and her coffee colored skin showing just slightly above her skirt. Her sandal feet take slow, careful steps. You have an unusual friend, she says. I chuckle. That's true, and you haven't even gotten to know him yet. She stops, looking a little scared. I don't know if I would do like that. Oh, it's okay. You don't have to go near him at all, I tell her, getting a little worried that the only person for miles around might run away. Can you tell me where we are? You do not know? Um no, my trip here was a little rushed. Her eyebrows pinched together, and she looks like she might want to slip back into the trees. This is Rishikesh And what country is that? The sorry helps me think of a few, but I'm afraid to upset her by assuming anything. This is India Oh cool, I've always been interested in India. My name is Coral, and I am from New York City. Her mouth drops open. You are from the USA? That is incredible. Realizing that I've been holding my breath in anticipation, I release a sigh of relief. Maybe I'll at least be interesting enough to keep her talking. What's your name? Angory Oh, that's a cool name. Cool is good, she says, with a tiny smile. Very good, I say, with a big smile. Angory takes several steps forward. Just as she's close enough for me to admire the beautiful golden stitching on her sari, Peev decides it's time to sit up and yawn, which makes her gasp and back up almost as far as she'd come. He has big teeth, she whispers. I clasp my hands in front of my chest. I promise he won't hurt you. In fact he's really good at watching over people. Well, me really, but also my friends. Am I to be your friend? I sure hope so. In fact, I was kind of expecting to meet you here. Her eyebrows dart together again. I don't understand. Oh, it's a long story, but I will explain. I glance around us, really eager for a place to sit down and talk. Do you live around here? Not far, but I do not think we should go there. Your friend might make my family nervous, and your presence would be very hard to explain. I nod. Good point. Is there somewhere nearby we can sit and talk? Angry waves me forward. Follow me. There's a fallen tree just this way. Oh excellent, good thinking. She smiles and heads back the way she came. As we walk, I feel more and more grateful that she's dressed in such a bright color. It makes her really easy to follow. After a few minutes we reach the fallen tree. Angry sits down and then gestures for me to join her, her eyes on Peve the whole time. Down boy, I tell him before we get too close to Angury. As if he understands, he settles down onto his hunches, puts his head down, and looks like he might just go to sleep. He listens well, said Angry. Her hands are clasped tightly in her lap, but she does seem to be getting a little less nervous. He really is a good boy, more like a teddy bear most of the time. She smiles. So what is this story you have for me? Well, before starting, is it okay with you if I ask you a couple of questions? She nods in agreement. First, am I right in thinking that you are thirteen years old? She blinks, and her eyes narrow a little. Yes, you are correct. And have you received some sort of surprise gift lately? Something you weren't expecting? Her body stiffens, and she sits up a little straighter. How could you possibly know that I will explain, I promise. Just let me ask a couple of more questions. Are there problems with water in India? Like getting clean water, maybe? Illnesses? Angry's face falls and she nods. All of those things happen here. There are so many people in my country, and many of those people are poor. She pauses, and her expression shifts for a moment. It is my honor to be able to help in some way. Ah, here we go. She's definitely one of us. You help with the water situation? In my own way, yes I do. Her hands open up and close in her lap like they have a plan of their own. I realize it's not really fair for me to ask questions after I question without telling you something in return. Okay, my turn, I begin, but I have to warn you this story will not be easy to believe. She smiles. Thank you for the warning. It's only fair, I tell her, and then I go back to beginning, telling her about my wish, my gift, everything Miriam told me, the strange things I've seen water do, the two friends I've met in the same way I'm meeting her, and the common problems I'm seeing in Africa, Laos, India, and New York City. Wait, she says, You arrived here in a bridge made of water? I hang my head, knowing how crazy it sounds. Yes, I don't expect you to believe that part yet, but when I leave here you'll see what I mean. She watches me, a little smile on her face. You are correct about this being a very unusual story. Believe me I know. So what are we to do now? I sigh. You'd think I'd know that, wouldn't you? Since I'm known as the Pathfinder. But I guess it's all happening so fast I'm just figuring it out as I go. And each of us seems to have a piece of the puzzle. Hope in Malawi has an ability to make things grow, and she is working on issues related to her brother's health problems related to water. Bonbassat in Laos has a special gift of communication, and she has an idea about how we can keep in contact. And I've got a way we can all meet also. According to Miriam, we're all gonna change the world as eco masters. I haven't figured that one out yet. Angry gives a sad little laugh. That seems impossible to believe. What can four young girls do for the entire world? A shiver runs through my body more like I'm excited than scared, which doesn't quite make sense. I know what you mean, though it seems like we all have special abilities that can be stronger together. Maybe that's the key. What is it that you're doing here to help people with the water problems in India? She lowers her head and her gaze drops to the ground. Now it is my turn to tell you an unbelievable story. I promise I'll believe you, I tell her quietly. Angry nods and looks up at me. I have the ability to create and extinguish fire with my hands, she says. I have been able to do this since my tenth birthday. I feel my eyes stretch wide and I try to chill, so I don't freak her out. That's amazing, I say. You literally can create or put out fire by touching it? Yes. I grin. That's a huge help in a country with water problems. You're like a superhero. Her grin pops out too. Perhaps I should get a cape, yes? For sure. I glance over at Peev and I'm relieved to see that he looks totally passed out. I want Angry to stay relaxed, so now that you know about my compass, can you tell me what gift you received? Oh yes, she says leaning forward. It is the most beautiful bindi, deep blue like the night sky, which is most surprising. Okay, first I have to ask what is a bindi? She points to her forehead a spot between her eyes, a round or tear shaped jewel. Hindu women wear them here. Images flood my mind, women I've passed by in stores, or seen on the street in New York City. Oh that's right, I've seen those, but what makes the color so surprising? Angry's face grows a little tense. Bindies are usually red and they are usually worn by married women, who are considered to be guardians of the family. Hmm. Why do you think yours is blue? What could that mean? I asked. She shrugs. I do not know. I was promised to be married before my thirteenth birthday, and because of that I ran away from my family before that day came. I gulp. Married? Seriously? Angry nods. Marriage is certainly expected by my age in my village, and it is usually arranged at birth or soon after. Arranged Wow. My brain tingles, and I realize that I've heard something about arranged marriages before. It all feels really different when it's happening to a real person sitting two feet away from me, though. What do you think it means that you were given a blue bindi? She takes a long deep breath. My dream is that it means I am free, and that I can help other girls to be free. Right now, with my special gift, I can make small fires to help women and girls to boil their water before drinking. This helps to free their time for other things. This makes me very happy. Something clicks inside me, kind of like finding the right key on a giant key ring, and I reach out and put my hand over hers. You can absolutely do that, Angry, and you are free to be anything you want to be. I absolutely believe that, and I know you're in the perfect final piece of this wish puzzle we've all been given. I watch her, hoping I haven't scared her off again, but her smile comes back. Thank you, Coral. I know you speak the truth, even before you show me what the water can do. Oh thank goodness, I was a little worried this would all seem too crazy. Remember, you're speaking to a girl who can make fire appear and disappear. My mouth falls open. Holy moly, you are a superhero. This time Angory lets out a big belly laugh, and the sound is like Like a party music to my ears. Peev sits up at the sound and angry stiffens as he moves. Afraid to lose any of the ground we've gained, I decide it's time my giant dog and I catch a wave home. Next time I'm here, I decide I may have to leave Peev at home. So are you ready to see what I can do? I ask, pushing my numb rear end off the bumpy tree. Yes, please, she says. I walk over and grab Peev by the collar. Okay, I've got him. If you can lead us back to the stream, I'll show you my water trick. Angry nods and takes us back through the woods. Once we're at the stream, I take the compass from my pocket and hold it out to her. That is very beautiful, she says. What do the symbols mean? What is that language? I shrug. No idea. I know it has something to do with water, and the needle only moves when I make a wish. I shake it to show her, then pull Peev into the stream with me and wrap my fingers around the compass face. I wish to go back to Central Park in New York City, I say, and flash her a smile. The warmth starts immediately. I almost want to let Angry touch it, but I'm afraid to do anything to mess up the magic. I stand there watching her face and feeling the waves that should not exist in a stream start to crash against my ankles. She stares and her face stretches into one long o of amazement. Goodbye, I yell, just as the small water tornado spins up my legs like a stack of hula hoops. I slam my eyes and mouth shut before it reaches my face, and then in a fraction of an instant I'm bobbing in the lake in Central Park, stretching all around me. Peef snorts next to me, and I realize he's standing. So I put my feet down and do the same. Mission accomplished, boy, I say. We did it. We found them all. A nervous flutter rattles my rib cage, reminding me that things might get a really crazy from here. It can't be all magic and water rides, can it? He snorts again and races for the grass, tail wagging like it might come loose. I follow him, trying to match his leaping strides. What a day. I guess I really am the Pathfinder. No denying it now. Though who would deny something this cool? Not this girl, that's for sure. Well today is one of my favorite chapters. This is Donna. Coral has now officially earned her stripes as Pathfinder of the Ecomasters. She has met all three of the friends and partners that she will complete the Ecomasters adventure with. At the age of 13, each of these girls has a unique story, but something in common. Each has made the wish for the world to become a better place, which has been answered with a special and sacred gift. The mission itself and the pathway from here are still unknown, but each of the girls has a special power and personal resolve to meet the moment.